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Rosa was leaning over the Asters, Marveling at their saturated and vibrant coloring. The pink varieties were her favorites. It had been a little over a month since they had their conversation about Asters being Rosa’s favorite flowers besides the obvious choice of roses. “They’re really lovely, Dr. Richter. I read somewhere,” That somewhere being in the book of flower language that she had bought not too long ago, “That Asters can symbolize Wisdom.” So I suppose they’re fitting here. “They might symbolize love in some cases too.” She leaned closer to look at the details on each petal; it was obvious that Vyn, like with everything else, put a lot of care into blooming the best flowers he could.
“That is true, they can mean that.” His voice was very soft—almost gentle, in her ear as she felt him lean up behind her to also examine the blooms. He was so painfully close that she could feel the warmth, both physically and metaphorically, radiating off of him and she could almost hear the tender smile in his voice. “I see you were reading that book that you had bought, I also really enjoyed that one.” There was a touch of embarrassment that he remembered she even bought that book, but it was quickly pushed directly out of her mind as he leaned every closer, his hand reaching past her shoulder to lightly examine the bloom.
She Hummed her agreement, it was a little difficult to form words when he was this close to her. Rosa could smell the gentle aroma of his everyday life on his shirt he was so close. It was relaxing, she always felt relaxed with Vyn. Maybe that wasn’t necessarily professional, and Artem has warned her against that, but it was easy to get close to him—to find herself spending more weekend than not in his company.
“According to Greek Mythology, Asters sprung up when the Goddess Astraea left the Earth due to wickedness of Man and became the constellation known as Virgo. It is also also said, that she wept for humanity and where ever her tears fell, Asters bloomed.” Vyn leaned just a touch closer—something to easily pass off as a mistake if asked, but he just wanted to be closer. “There are many interpretations of Astraea’s story, but some say at the end that she will return to Earth and bring Utopia, ending Human Suffering.” Vyn was whispering in Rosa’s ear at this point—almost as if he didn’t want the rest of the world to hear the story; it was meant for her ears only.
“That’s a sad story….but it’s beautiful.” She was thinking it over; it was sad—to leave Earth because of humanity. “I want to do that, I also want to end suffering in anyway I can.” Joey and Hugh crossed her mind as she spoke; it had always been her goal to help people but that had reinforced her ideals. “Maybe I can’t bring about Utopia, but I can help end the suffering for the people around me.” Rosa turned her head slightly to look at Dr. Richter, only to be met with his Gilded eyes already gazing at her with a mellow warmth that reminded her of a clear summer’s day. It wasn’t uncommon that she lost herself in the pools of gold; they had always invited her in—binding her in a spell.
“It is my opinion that you already do much to help those that touch your life.” Carefully, he lifted his hand to brush loose strands of hair behind her ear—it was just an excuse to touch her in a seemingly innocent way. “I know many of your clients would agree.” Whether or not the Clients agreed, he agreed—but he needn’t say so to her. “Much like Astraea, you care for humanity and I think that is commendable.” And much like Astraea, to him she was a star far above him. “I can see why you are drawn to Aster flowers now.”
Rosa was carefully thinking over everything he was saying to her—still unwilling to break eye contact with him; though it was difficult to strongly agree or disagree with her assertion, she knew that at the very least she was doing the best she could at all times Even Artem had told her as much. “Thank you Dr. Richter. Your words give me confidence that I’m on the right path.” She smiled up at him, a smile so bright it matched the intensity of the sun.
“Right, yes.” His chest always grew just a little tighter when she smiled at him like this.”We should have some tea in the garden, I can brew some black tea and I have some Madeleines I would like to share with you.” Vyn pulled himself back from her—her smile was scorching, and he wanted just a little reprieve before he flew too close to the sun. “They are lovely, I bought them at the dessert shoppe we had been too before that you enjoyed.” Vyn Turned to lead Rosa back inside so they could continue their conversation in the kitchen as he got their snack ready.
“Oh, I haven’t tried the Madeleines yet I always wanted too, but I never got around to it, so I look forward to it, Dr. Richter. You’re very thoughtful.” An absent compliment—but it was true, she always thought him so thoughtful; always willing to come help her when needed, bringing her lunch and the flowers in the Garden—he was simply too kind to her.
“Yes, I remembered you had mentioned them before and I knew you were coming over today so I went ahead and purchased them for us. I have not tried them yet, Either—so I suppose it is a shared activity.” There was joy in his tone, but only slightly—he was glad she was pleased with his selection of sweets. He had carefully planned it to happen this way, purely because he wanted to be the one experience something new with her even if it were so minor.
“You really don’t forget anything do you?” It was a light tease, but her mind kept wandering back to the story of Astraea while she kept Vyn company in the Kitchen—it really was a beautiful story and she wanted to read more about it when she went home this evening. Maybe they could even talk about it the next time they had tea.
Dr. Richter smiled at her in response before turning his attention back to the kettle; both of them lost in thoughts of Asters, Madeleines and warm summer days. It may not be Utopia, but it was enough for now. A private Utopia between the two of them that didn’t expand past the boundaries of his home. It was perfect enough.